Zesty Shake Cucumber Salad (Printer version)

Refreshing cucumber tossed in tangy soy-sesame dressing with a spicy kick. Light, crunchy, and quick to prepare.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 large English cucumbers, trimmed
02 - 2 scallions, thinly sliced

→ Dressing

03 - 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
04 - 1 1/2 tbsp rice vinegar
05 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
06 - 1 1/2 tsp sugar or honey
07 - 1 garlic clove, finely grated
08 - 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
09 - 1/2 to 1 tsp chili flakes, to taste

→ Garnish

10 - 1 tbsp sesame seeds (white or black)
11 - 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Wash and dry cucumbers, slice lengthwise in half, then cut into 1/4-inch thick half-moon slices.
02 - Place cucumber slices and scallions in a large resealable bag or airtight container.
03 - Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, grated garlic, ginger, and chili flakes until sugar is fully dissolved.
04 - Pour dressing over cucumbers and scallions, seal bag or container, and shake vigorously for 30 seconds to coat evenly.
05 - Refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
06 - Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle with sesame seeds and optional cilantro before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • No cooking required, just slicing and shaking
  • The flavors get better as it sits, making it perfect for meal prep
  • That soy-sesame punch makes simple cucumbers feel restaurant special
02 -
  • English cucumbers stay crunchy longer than regular ones, so they will not turn limp if you make this ahead
  • The garlic and ginger need to be grated, not chopped, or the flavor stays in tiny chunks instead of blending into the dressing
  • Chili flakes bloom as the salad sits, so it will taste spicier after an hour in the fridge
03 -
  • Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for two minutes—watch closely, they go from golden to burned fast
  • Cut the cucumbers slightly thicker if you plan to let the salad sit overnight for better texture retention
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